Protocols, Postures and Power of Thanksgivingනියැදිය

REMEMBER, RECOLLECT, RETURN

If your thanksgiving will be acceptable, it must begin with remembrance and recollection. “Forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2, KJV) is a command because memory leaks. To remember is to re-member — to put the pieces back together until a clear picture emerges. To recollect is to re-collect — to gather every fragment of mercy and bring them whole before God. I want you to practise this discipline: trace how the Lord helped you — who He used, which scripture strengthened you, what door opened, what danger passed. Vague memory produces vague thanks; precise remembrance produces precise honour.

The Lord told Israel, “Thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee” (Deuteronomy 8:2, KJV) — not some of the way, all the way. Keep a record of undeserved kindnesses you enjoyed from people and the interventions you received from God. Maintain a simple ledger: “Acts of God to thank for” and “People to thank properly.” Then act on it. Send the message. Make the call. Write the note. Bring the offering. Visit in person where honour requires your presence. Thanksgiving is not about the one who thanks; it is about the One being thanked. When self-consciousness is high, gratitude is low; when God-consciousness is high, gratitude flows.

Practically, schedule remembrance. Set a weekly ten-minute “return window” to list mercies and convert them into thanksgiving. Teach your household to do the same: around the table, ask, “What did God do this week?” Resist the enemy’s strategy to rob God by keeping you focused on yourself — failures, fatigue, or fears. Shift the gaze: name His acts, rehearse His faithfulness, and respond with words and deeds that fit the weight of mercy. This is how you keep thanksgiving intelligent, heartfelt, and continual. Remember well, recollect fully, and then return quickly; it is the pathway by which honour rises to God and humility stays in you.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Which mercies have I failed to record, and how will I recollect them today? Who are the specific people God used that I must thank promptly and properly?

PRAYER: Lord, awaken my memory. Help me remember, recollect, and return with fitting thanksgiving to You and honour to the people You used, in Jesus’ name. Amen.